The Allen Community College women’s soccer team added a new member with the signing of Washburn Rural High School product Brianna Jones.
The soccer standout is primarily a forward but also played defense this past season, helping lead her team to a 6A state championship appearance, falling to Blue Valley West, 2-0.
Jones comes from a well-known and successful program at Washburn Rural and Allen head coach Jeremy McGinnis has liked what he’s seen from his newest recruit. Allen assistant coach Cala Jamison originally met Jones at a high school soccer camp over the summer.
“I think they’re getting an offensive player, I like to be with my teammates and work together so we can win,” said Jones. “Last year I also played defense and adjusted to it to help our team. I hope to contribute not by being just a good player on the field but also a good person in the community.”
McGinnis noted Jones’ winning attitude and mindset. When players come from top notch high school programs, they already have a winning belief instilled in them.
“It’s nice to have somebody with Brianna’s athleticism,” said McGinnis. “I think she’s going to be a great addition to what we’re looking to do as far as building the success of our program. She can play a lot of positions.”
The forward served as a senior leader on Washburn Rural’s team and looks to bring a similar trait to the Lady Red Devils.
“I’m a leader. I can make decisions in a nice way so that I’m not yelling at my teammates and I can help them as they help me,” said Jones. “I’m just really grateful for the opportunity and I’m glad that I got to choose to come here. It’s exciting.”
Jones’ stamina and rate at which she moves on the field is what impressed McGinnis most.
“Her pace and work rate are impressive,” McGinnis said. “She comes from a very high level high school program. They play some of the best teams in the state so she’s going to know how to play in big moments. Washburn Rural is usually in the top four and goes to state every year so she has that winning attitude and winning mindset which is very important.”
